Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Game 4 Score, Highlights and Analysis

The Miami Heat entered Game 4 of their opening series with the Milwaukee Bucks eyeing a sweep, and left with just that.

In what quickly proved to be a painfully slow showing from both squads, the Heat managed to outlast their eighth-seeded opponents, beating them 88-77 on the shoulders of LeBron James' game-high 30 points. The win allowed Miami to become the first team to move on to the second round.

The game began with each team lethargically trading possession, though the Heat jumped out to an early lead. The Bucks struggled out of the gate and fell behind early, despite poor play from Miami.

Similarly to other games in the series, the Bucks finished the half right at Miami's heels, as Monta Ellis flipped the switch in the closing minutes. He finished with 21 points, five rebounds and eight assists.

Despite the push from Milwaukee, however, the Heat never lost hold of the lead, as Chris Bosh's stellar defensive play (four blocks) and Udonis Haslem's 13 points in 19 minutes helped guide the Heat to victory.

The third quarter followed the lead set by the first half, with each team remaining within reach of one another, though the lackluster play continued.

Still, despite the Bucks' attempts to grab hold of the lead, it was evident that Miami was in full control and that a late surge would allow them to win with ease.

It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Heat decided to wake up. Led by LeBron James, the top-seeded Miami squad extended their lead, and Milwaukee never seemed to recover.

By the end of the game, the Heat had managed to topple the Bucks, ending the series and—by extension—the Bucks' season.

Brandon Jennings, who may have played his final game in Milwaukee, showed minimal signs of life, finishing with just three points.

Miami will move on to face the winner of the Chicago Bulls and the Brooklyn Nets, a series in which Chicago leads 3-1.

The win was anything but unexpected, considering the pace at which the Heat had been rolling, and reaffirmed the notion that even in times of struggle, Miami is a top team in the league.

Twitter Reaction

Things started off slow...

We're now past four minutes in - no Bucks points. Miami only has six though, so not so bad there.